Written Answer to PQ on Driver Fatigue Measures and Support for SMEs in the Construction Sector to Improve WSH

NOTICE PAPER NO. 126 OF 2025 FOR THE SITTING ON 14 OCT 2025
QUESTION NO. 575 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) what are the Ministry’s plans to tackle driver fatigue given that vehicular accidents were the top cause of workplace fatalities based on the Workplace Safety and Health statistics for first half of 2025; and (b) whether more can be done to reduce workplace fatalities and injuries among SMEs in the construction sector which contributes a high number of accidents.

Answer:

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will continue to engage employers and industry associations to raise awareness of the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Guidelines on Fatigue Management, which include practical guidance in areas like providing rest breaks and managing shift work. In addition, we will continue to promote the adoption of vehicular safety technologies such as cameras and sensors that companies can deploy on their vehicles. These technologies can improve the situational awareness of drivers and warn them of collision risks, as well as help detect signs of driver fatigue or distraction.

2. To the Member’s second query, MOM has stepped up our inspections targeted at smaller-scale construction works throughout 2025. These include recent operations focused on solar panel installation works, renovation projects in major shopping malls, and small residential projects, especially during festive seasons when work may be rushed to meet deadlines. We also require companies with major injuries to engage appointed auditors to carry out audits and address gaps to prevent recurrence.

3. Beyond enforcement, MOM will continue to work with our partners to help SMEs build up their internal WSH capabilities, such as through the StartSAFE programme and greater adoption of technology solutions.